Mayor Warren, City Council Open New City Dog Park

City of Rochester

News Release

(Thursday, July 13, 2017) – Mayor Lovely A. Warren and members of the City Council celebrated the opening of Rochester’s first Dog Park today with a ribbon cutting at Cobbs Hill Park.

“I am proud to live in a city that rewards the loyalty of our dogs by giving them a safe place to run and play without a leash,” said Mayor Warren. “One of our key priorities for Rochester is to create safe, vibrant neighborhoods and dogs play an important role in that because they bring people together. A lot of people get to know their neighbors when they walk their dogs, and having a Dog Park will further enhance that sense of vibrancy.”

Council President and At-Large Member Loretta Scott, said: “The Dog Park at Cobbs Hill Park is a true collaboration between the Council and the Administration, and I am pleased that we are celebrating the opening of this new feature today. Cobbs Hill has been a community gathering spot for generations and this is a natural extension of the park. As the former Commissioner of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Human Services, I have a particular affinity for our parks and am thrilled to see the City develop additional ways for our residents to utilize this amenity within our City.”

Matt Haag, Chair of City Council’s Parks and Public Works Committee and At-Large Member said: “With much community input, immense support from the Department of Environmental Services and two years of planning, I am thrilled that today we are opening the first Dog Park in the City of Rochester. Pets are a part of our families, and ensuring that our community designates safe areas for our dogs to exercise is important. The Dog Park adds an additional sense of community, allowing residents the opportunity to interact with their neighbors and get to know each other better. It is my hope that the residents utilizing the Dog Park during this pilot period take the time to offer feedback to the City so that we can improve upon the experience that residents and their four legged friends have at the park.”

The new City Dog Park is located on Norris Drive, immediately east of the softball diamonds in Cobbs Hill Park. The Dog Park will be open from dawn to dusk, which are the hours of operation of all City parks. Dog Park Amenities include: Large dog and small dog areas; fire hydrants; a stone dust surface; open lawns; benches; shade trees; pet waste stations; and drinking water. No City staff will supervise the dog park. It will be the responsibility of users to keep the park safe and clean.

The Dog Park will be operated as a pilot program through the end of 2017. During the pilot period, only city residents with a licensed dog can register for this dog park. There will be no fee for a permit during the pilot period.

To obtain a Dog Park Permit, owners must have a City dog license and proof of rabies vaccination. Permit applications must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office in room 100A of City Hall, 30 Church St. City Hall is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on holidays. Owners will be issued a blue City of Rochester Dog Park medallion, or tag, which will signify that the dog has a permit to be in the park. Owners will also be given a pass code to open the Dog Park gate.